According to security officials, the explosion occurred as a result of a fire that broke out in a fireworks factory. The fire
spread to a nearby car-batteries plant, and firefighters are currently working to contain the flames and prevent them from reaching a third factory.

The factory (Photo: Maor Uzan)

Fire and rescue
forces scoured the plants to ensure that no one was left trapped in either of the buildings.

Brothers Maor and Liav Uzan heard the explosion from their shop near the factories and rushed to the scene. "The security guard was the only one who was injured," Liav said, "and I pulled him out of the plant. He was bleeding all over… I put him in his car and drove him to a safer spot."

Firefighting and police
units arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion was reported.